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The 1980s saw the release of many US power metal classics. Offerings from now legendary acts such as FATES WARNING, QUEENSRYCHE, METAL CHURCH, SAVATAGE and HELSTAR immediately come to mind when breaching the subject. However, there were some not-so-familiar names like CEREBUS (NC), SHOK PARIS or HAWK, who would deliver some of the best unsung American heavy metal albums.

One of those bands was formed in 1985 in Rome, New York by high schoolmates drummer Mark Madonia, guitarist Ray Abel, bassist Jim Boog Taylor and vocalist Shane Perry. By using
the first two letters of each member's last name with an additional "S" at the end, the band would be deemed MATAKOPAS

MATAKOPAS would quickly develop a consistent melodic power metal sound with smooth hooks, hints of commercial appeal and touches of NWOBHM influences to keep a nice edge.

In 1987, MATAKOPAS decided to record their debut album, "Coming Out Ahead". The band enlisted engineer Bob Francis Acquaviva (LUFTWAFFE, MERE MORTALS) to record and produce the album. After many months of pre-production, the band entered UCA Recording Studios in Utica, NY, to begin laying down tracks. The final result would be nine pure, unadulterated American heavy metal tracks.

The band played several live shows and garnered much local acclaim within the New York metal scene.

MATAKOPAS would continue for two more years. Within that time, the band would manage to record one more album under the name MATAKOPAS. The album has yet to be released and is not known by many outside the band.

Sometime in the early 90s, MATAKOPAS began to go in a more hard rock direction musically. Eventually they would change the band name to RED HUSH.

Over the years that followed, ‘Coming Out Ahead’ has become well regarded amongst the underground and somewhat of a cult classic sought out by collectors worldwide.

WEB: www.heavenandhellrecords.com

ESTORE: www.soundsofpurgatory.com

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1. heavenandhellrecords.com